8.4 Flashcards
(10 cards)
- What is heart failure?
Heart failure is the inability of the heart to pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands, resulting in reduced cardiac output.
- How is heart failure classified by the affected side of the heart?
It can be classified as left-sided (causing pulmonary congestion), right-sided (causing systemic venous congestion), or biventricular (affecting both sides).
- What factors determine cardiac output?
Cardiac output depends on preload (ventricular filling), afterload (vascular resistance), and ventricular contractility.
- How is ejection fraction used in heart failure diagnosis?
Ejection fraction (stroke volume divided by total left ventricular volume) measures pump function: normal is 50–70%, <40% indicates HFrEF (systolic failure), while HFpEF (diastolic failure) has preserved EF but impaired filling.
- What are common risk factors for heart failure?
Risk factors include coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, alcohol use, and a sedentary lifestyle.
- What are the stages of heart failure?
Stage A: At risk; Stage B: Structural/functional changes (pre-heart failure) without symptoms; Stage C: Symptomatic heart failure; Stage D: Advanced, refractory heart failure.
- What differentiates HFpEF from HFrEF?
HFpEF (diastolic) is marked by impaired ventricular filling and stiffness with a preserved EF, while HFrEF (systolic) shows reduced contractility and a low EF.
- What complications can arise from heart failure?
Complications include fluid overload (pulmonary or peripheral edema), low renal perfusion leading to RAAS activation, arrhythmias, and eventual organ failure or death.
- How does heart failure affect renal function?
Reduced cardiac output decreases renal blood flow, triggering the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which increases fluid retention and worsens congestion.
- What defines congestive heart failure?
Congestive heart failure involves fluid overload due to inadequate pumping, leading to symptoms like pulmonary edema (in left-sided failure) and peripheral edema (in right-sided failure).
